Promising welterweight fighter sets his sights on a fight against Carlos Prates before a title bout.

Morales considers fight against Carlos Prates Before a chance at the belt. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

One of the top prospects in the welterweight division, MichaelMorales He's already on the UFC belt radar, but makes it clear he doesn't intend to force shortcuts. Aware of the tough competition in the 77kg category, the Ecuadorian admits he may need another test before a title fight and, in that scenario, Carlos Prates This emerges as a perfectly viable name.

Currently ranked fourth, Morales observes a congested scene at the top of the division, with names such as Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, Kamaru Usman And Prates himself is circling in the title race. Even so, the Ecuadorian shows no hurry or fear in facing any of them along the way.

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Morales acknowledges the danger, but does not back down in the face of Prates.

During an appearance on the Death Row MMA podcast, hosted by Jorge masvidal, MichaelMorales He offered a respectful yet confident assessment of a potential confrontation with the Brazilian from Fighting Nerds. The Ecuadorian highlighted his rival's qualities, but made it clear that this would not be an impediment to the duel.

"Carlos Prates He has a heavy hand, knows where to strike, and can handle tough rounds even under pressure in grappling. He's growing fast and also wants to be champion,” he analyzed.

Despite the praise, Morales emphasized that his main focus is to establish himself as the number one contender in the division. Even so, if the UFC chooses to put him against the Brazilian before a title shot, he guarantees he wouldn't hesitate.

“I want to secure what’s mine. After that, whoever comes, comes. If I have to fight Prates before the belt, I’ll fight. No problem. In our sport, it’s everyone against everyone,” he stated.

Ecuadorian fighter is experiencing the best phase of his UFC career.

At 26, MichaelMorales He is going through the most solid moment of his professional MMA career. At UFC 322, held in November, the Ecuadorian knocked out... Sean brady Still in the first round, a result that propelled him directly to the top of the rankings and reinforced his status as a real threat in the category.

Although he acknowledges that a move up to middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) could happen in the future, Morales insists that his absolute priority is to make history at welterweight. According to him, the UFC itself has already indicated that his name is on the list of potential challengers for the title. Islam makhachev.

“They said I’m one of the title contenders, but probably only next year. I imagine something around June or July, depending on when Makhachev wants to fight,” he explained.

New generation promises headaches for the champion.

On the other side, Islam makhachev He is still evaluating his next steps as welterweight champion and has even mentioned a preference for facing more experienced opponents, such as Kamaru UsmanMorales, however, believes that the landscape of division has changed, and that the new generation presents different challenges.

“Makhachev is very good, everyone knows his game: takedowns, ground control, strong wrestling. But in the welterweight division, the new generation is bigger, stronger, taller. It's a different story,” he concluded.

Be against Carlos Prates or directly into a title fight, MichaelMorales He has already made it clear: the road may be long, but he is willing to face any obstacle to reach the top.